Ernesto Valverde's pre-El Clásico quotes

Ernesto Valverde's pre-El Clásico quotes

The Barça manager spoke to the media on Saturday afternoon, one day before Barça takes on Real Madrid at Camp Nou in the final El Clásico of the season

With Sunday's final El Clásico of the season drawing ever closer, Barça manager Ernesto Valverde gve his take at his habitual pre-game press conference. Here are the highlights of what he had to say:

On the meaning of this game, given Barça has already clinched La Liga:

"A Clásico is a Clásico, and it is a significant game. Fortunately, we are already champions, but it means a lot for the two fan bases, for the competitiveness of the two.”

"We want to win, regardless of the standings. And, obviously, they do, too. They will come out trying to break our streak and I hope it's a good match.”

"I would like all Clásicos to be this way. It would be more exciting if we were closer in the standings, but for me it’s fine like this.“

"I have no doubt that tomorrow we will see the best possible team from both sides.”

On Andrés Iniesta:

"It's not the last league game. Iniesta has the recognition of everybody, including the players and the fans, because of what he’s done for Barça and Spanish football. We have three more games left and I do not know if tomorrow will be Andrés Iniesta’s last game with Barça. The first and last are always the most meaningful.”

On whether the Liga or the Champions League is more important:

"For coaches, the league measure you over a whole year. The best team over the whole year wins it. There are more factors at play in the Champions League. Tomorrow, we play against a rival that knows how to compete. In the Champions League, there are factors that you have to be able to control. There are more candidates for the title, and in the League there are two, three, or four."

"The league is what ultimately tells you how you have played. In the Champions League, one thing can knock you out, like this year. Regardless, all competitions are difficult.”

On Barça’s chance to go unbeaten for a full season:

“Today, going undefeated in the league for an entire season is important and very difficult. And we still have tough matches to play before doing it.“

Força Barça
Força Barça

Related to this article

Close article

Related to this article